July 2011 Archives

Our World Cup Trip to Germany

A special guest column by Kirsten Eriksen about her trip to Germany for the Women's World Cup. Eriksen graduated this past June from Westhill High School in Stamford, Connecticut and this Fall will continue to play soccer at American University.

This past spring, a group of girls were given the opportunity of a lifetime. As a part of the Connecticut Football Club, with a combined effort from the CFC United U-18 team and the CFC U-17 Gunners, we were offered a chance to travel to Germany. In addition to the fact that a small percentage of us would ever be given an opportunity to return to this country, what made this trip one to dream for was the chance to witness, first-hand, the 2011 Women’s World Cup semi-final, and final, while also being able to participate in 3 games against local teams. It became safe to say that if one could help it, this was not a trip to pass up. Continue Reading

MLS Mid-Season Review

On Wednesday night at Red Bull Arena, MLS-All Stars fell 4-0 to Manchester United in the annual game that marks the halfway point of the Major League Soccer Season. Similar to the past few years, the month of July the American soccer landscape has been taken over by top European clubs playing friendly matches at football stadiums.

Philadelphia Union Defeat Everton 1-0

On a very hot night in Chester PA., a youth academy player for Philadelphia Union, Christian Hernandez, stepped into the role of hero with his 87' minute goal to give the hosts a 1-0 win over Everton. Philadelphia controlled most of the match, creating numerous chances but unable to finish their opportunities in front of goal. Everton were able to maintain possession in the midfield, but ran out of ideas and in the final 1/3. The Union played a handful of younger players with Jack McInerney, Zack Pfeffer, Jimmy McLaughlin and goal scorer Hernandez all impressing against the Premier League side. Continue to David Moyes Post Match Press ConferenceContinue to Phil Neville Post Match Press Conference

Toronto Adds Quality & Class

July 15th couldn’t come soon enough for Toronto FC. This date marks the opening of the Major League Soccer transfer window and more importantly for TFC, their newest signings will be eligible to play in their following fixture against FC Dallas.

Torsten Frings and Danny Koevermans were signed on June 29th, both to undisclosed Designated Player contracts. They will be TFC’s 2nd and 3rd DP players after they inked Canadian midfielder Julian De Guzman in September 2009. Continue Reading

Women's WC Final Preview and Predictions

On Sunday at 2:45 pm ET the United States will play Japan in the 2011 Women's World Cup Final. Looking back over the past few weeks, this has been the most competitive Women's World Cup, with thrilling games, upsets, and great goals. The last two teams standing play contrasting styles, but each has been effective in getting results when it matters most. Japan has been compared to Barcelona, with their possession style attack with Sawa serving as Messi. The United States has shown how important goalkeeping can be, as Hope Solo has provided timely saves, while Wambach and Co. have scored important goals against less than stellar goalkeeping. Our six original analysts had all picked Germany to win, but with only two teams left, they have better odds of being right this time. We also have added a few others to give their insight into the biggest women's soccer game of the year. Continue Reading

Women's World Cup Semifinals Preview

There are very few experts who did not have either Germany or Brazil winning the World Cup and with the elimination of the two favorites the weight of expectation is now passed to the United States. The Americans have to be favored to win their third World Cup, but first since 1999.

While a US win would be good for the game in the States, a final match up between France and Japan would be better for the game as a whole. Both teams try to play an attractive passing game while the US have relied on experience, perseverance, stamina and luck to qualify for the World Cup and to advance to the semis. Continue Reading

Twitter Reaction to USWNT Win Over Brazil

On Sunday July 10, the United States Women’s Soccer overcame the odds to defeat Brazil on Penalty Kicks 4-2 after drawing 2-2. The game was highlighted by a red card, a retaken penalty, Marta scoring twice, and Abby Wambach scoring in the 122nd minute. The game captured the attention of American sport fans and on Wednesday will play France at 11:30 am ET in the semifinals. Continue Reading

WWC Knockout Stage Preview and Predictions

The first round of the Women’s World Cup is complete and the quarterfinal matchups set with France playing England at 12:00 p.m. ET in the first game. Before looking ahead at our guest predictions for the rest of the tournament, let’s see how they fared in the first round of games. Though he picked USA to win the group and Sweden to finish second, Dave Clarke was able to pick all 8 quarterfinalists correctly. Paul Riley and Tony Leighton both had 7 correct picks, Riley incorrectly picking Canada while Leighton wrongly choosing Norway. Meabh De Burca and Mark Kirkorian each had 6 correct teams advancing to the quarterfinal stage. Anthony DiCicco and Tiffany Weimer finished in a tie for last place with 5 correct picks. Congratulations to Clarke for getting all the quarterfinal teams correct, but now it’s time for the knockout stage and to see what our guests have learned from the group matches. Continue Reading